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No more can be written without attention to the women of the church and their
special role. Until the late 20th century, it was indeed a male dominated world.
Betsey Barney became the first woman elected to the trustees in 1971. Christine
McCabe, the current president of the Trustees, is the first woman to serve in this position.
In the "olde days" of course, the men were the honorary leaders, but as we still know today in
most churches, the women raise the money and do God's special work in a variety of ways.
The meeting of incorporation of the church took place in the house of Hester Sands, a widow.
It was probably the women who were most anxious to have a church built for their Methodist
Society, so they convinced the men to meet. Throughout the minutes of the Trustees from as
far back as we have them recorded, major financial decisions were made only after the commitment
of the women's organization to the cause of purpose.
The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1886 during the pastorate of
Joseph Pullman. This was the predecessor organization to the Women's Society for Christian
Service, and the current United Methodist Women. In the 1913 Yearbook it is said,
"The Society has made continuous contribution to the social and financial
welfare of the Church. Its affairs have been conducted in a dignified manner and in a spirit
of loyalty and devotion."
The treasurer's statements show 'constant payment towards work at the parsonage,
the cleaning of carpets, the repairing and reaseating of chairs, and reception expenses.
Funds were raised from fairs, sewing society, strawberry festivals, and dues and fines.
The Ladies Aid held its first evening of stereopticon entertainment in September
1886, charging forty cents admission from which $85.50 was raised. Their first purchase
was a set of china, which, as one president wrote in an annual report in the 1920's, was
a "prophetic decision since our chief revenue would be in the culinary line." In the original
constitution the Society's "special province belongs to devise plans for, and to superintend all
entertainments held for the purpose of aiding the church socially and financially."
 In
September of 1909, the Girl's Club was formed for girls 12 and older.
Their purpose was one of "socialbility and charity." In 1913, the
Fortnightly Club was formed, which evolved into the Weslyan Service Guild in 1940. Their
meetings were held at night so this group was primarily for working women. The Young Mothers
group was formed in 1948 to "discuss the problems of our children and have speakers
specifically the subject of children." The Women's Society for Christian Service and the
subsequent United Methodist Women, formed in 1973, are that no matter the name of the
organization, the women have been the backbone of in the church.
These "ladies"' organizations, by whatever name may wish to refer to them, have
supported Missions through their district pledges and have done much in many ways to support the
local church. The United Methodist Women gave $6,500 towards the restoration fund. From the
Ladies Aid in1896 and their commitment to a new parsonage to the UMW of today who recently
endowed a parsonage upkeep fund, the women of the church have had an ongoing interest in
maintaining a beautiful parsonage.
The Age of Disenchantment
The late ‘60’s brought decline to this church as it did to many. Youth left
the church during this period of disenchantment with organized religion and with authority.
One example of that uneasiness with authority occurred when George Bailey was pastor. He
writes about “the Young Lords” who took control of the First Spanish Church in East Harlem,
New York City.
“On Sunday morning, January 11, 1970, a group of 25
to 30 student supporters entered the worship service at Mamaroneck, scattering throughout
the congregation. Toward the close of the service they rose up and attempted to take
control, placing posters of smutty words on the columns and a leader gave a negative
diatribe from the front of the church. The men of the church stood up for action and some
of the other members began to protest.” However, before things got out of hand, Rev. Bailey
caught the eye of a choir member in the balcony with a message for the organist to play the
closing hymn. “Marion Welden struck up ‘Faith of our Fathers’ and I’ve never heard
it sung more lustily. During the singing, the group filed out, leaving quietly as police
outside watched. There were threats that whey would return, but they never did.”
Rev.
George R. Bailey (1965-1983) pictured with members on the Administrative Council.
Rev. Bailey also warmly recalls the interfaith Thanksgiving Service, the efforts of
MaHaLa Clergy, Lenten Services, Advent pilgrimages, and working with the sister churches of
Rye and Port Chester, including the summer services at the Rye Conference Center.
The sixties also brought an increased social consciousness in this church. Mission ministries
included securing tools, clothing, and Christmas gifts for the children at the Church of All
Nations in New York, and Grace and the Fordham Churches. On the day of Young Lords’ takeover,
the church women were making a lunch to take to Anchor House, the drug rehabilitation program
in Brooklyn. A Vietnamese Family was adopted in 1975. The experience with this family of
five was challenging, but also very rewarding. The United Methodist Women were strong
supporters of this mission outreach, including being a major partner in the Mamaroneck
Community Action Program when its building was built. At the celebration of 200 years of
Methodism in Mamaroneck in December of 1971, the mortgage for the educational wing had been
paid and the papers were burned.
Children always looked forward to the last day of school and the Lollipop
Fair on the Methodist grounds.
Boy Scouting, the Lollipop Fair, and the Methodist Men’s Steak Cookout are a part of George
Bailey’s remembrances. A dozen scouts were awarded their God and Country Awards on their
road to Eagle Scout. The Lollipop Fair was a celebration of the last day of school; the “in”
thing to do in the community. Hundreds of children came to participate in the carnival
atmosphere. With games, candy, and cookies, rides and George Langerfeld’s haunted
house in the basement of the Church House, this was a wonderful fund-raiser and good community
outreach.
After 18 years as pastor of this church, George Bailey retired in 1983. He concludes
his memoirs for us by writing: “We had many able leaders in those days and a congregation
willing to venture into new areas of ministry and caring. The community always looked up to
us with high regard and great support. Mavis and I are thankful to all of you for our
18 years in your midst.”
Recent History
The Rev.
Dr. William Reynolds Doughty, Jr. officiates at the 25th Anniversary Renewal
of vows of Richard and Barbara Merrell. The Merrell’s daughter, Diane and son, John,
stand for their parents.
Rev. Dr. William Reynolds Doughty, Jr. was appointed to the church in July of 1983.
Bill’s pastoral style brought a sense of enthusiasm to the pulpit. He writes that one of his
accomplishments was acting as an interim person between Rev. Bailey’s long pastorate,
and the introduction of a younger pastor. “Professor Pockets” helped to set the stage for the
growth that began to attract younger people to the church and he writes about the spiritual
revitalization that took place. The Sunday School grew, Margaret Kim was hired as
organist and Don (her husband) soon directed the choir. The men’s breakfast and his
involvement in Tres Dias are significant memories. Bible Studies at the parsonage were signs
of increasing the ministry of hospitality.
Gladys Picket, trustee, presents Pastor Bill with a new hat for his
collection.
The young man whom Rev. Doughty envisioned following him as the pastor was chosen in
1988. At age 32, William S. Shillady was one of the youngest men ever to assume the
pulpit of this church, and he brought with him a rich personal and professional experience,
most recently as Associate Pastor at the Asbury Methodist Church in Tuckahoe, as well as
enormous energy and enthusiasm. Young adults continued to enter the church; the voices of
babies and young children were heard once again. Attendance at worship services more than
doubled. Through his offices, the outreach of the congregation grew and he has been
recognized as a community leader through his establishment of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger
Task Force, his service on the board of the Washingtonville Housing Alliance, a moderator of
programs to honor Martin Luther King, and a recipient of the B’nai B’rith Man of the Year
award. To no small degree, the success of the Restoration of this church is due to the
confidence he has instilled in the congregation and community.
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